BeadStyle : crystals

Crystal projects galore

Naomi Fujimoto — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:54:00 GMT

Anytime is a good time for crystals, but you'll have more options than usual right now as a BeadStyle reader.

It's your last chance to pick up a copy of our September issue on newsstands (or you can order one here). In this issue, Theresa Drake Abelew spotlights new crystal palettes in her "Seasonal color combinations" story — you'll find instructions for a chain necklace (shown below), bangle bracelet, and earrings that include oval and rectangular crystal components.

In "Winged style," Denise Yezbak Moore adds pops of color with crystals in her antiqued brass and filigree bracelets. And you can learn how to combine 3 mm bicone crystals with gemstone beads in the article about our Class Challenge Winner, Danica Losich.

If you're looking for a crystal project that's a bit more challenging, try Linda Augsburg's video, Stitch a Crystal V-Drop Necklace, available from our online Jewelry Classes on Demand. After reviewing crystal shapes and summarizing the supplies you'll need, Linda shows how to stitch seed-bead rings around bicone crystals to make an elegant necklace. And don't forget to check out the "Color note" on the accompanying PDF for suggestions about different crystal palettes.

Last, you can always search for crystal projects online by clicking the "Projects" tab at BeadStyleMag.com. In the "Find a project" box, select "Crystals" to pull up our archived crystal projects. Then you'll know which of your back issues to check.

New Xilion bead

Cathy Jakicic — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:48:00 GMT

Though there’s been buzz about this for awhile, the official press release arrived this week about the new Crystallized – Swarovski Elements Xilion bead.

Called an enhancement of the popular bicone shape (5301), the Xilion (5328) has more facets and a hole with rounded edges to “amplify sparkle” and protect threads.

According to the release, the Xilion’s “harmonious design and dimensions make possible beautiful combinations with its predecessor, the bi-cone bead 5301.”
Good news for bicone fans, especially those with a stash. More good news – you can call your bicones ”vintage” soon. That makes a sexier label for the jewelry designs you sell!

The Xilion,which will be phased in gradually, will be available in 66 colors, 20 effects, and in sizes from 3 mm to 10 mm. The 2.5 mm bicone will still be available.

Linda Arline Hartung's "Stroke of genius" designer alternative project

Cathy Jakicic — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 20:06:00 GMT

The "Stroke of genius" project in the March 2009 issue of BeadStyle includes a beautiful design alternative that combines braided WireLace with aquiline crystals. Designer Linda Arline Hartung sent the following instructions:

Four strands of WireLace get these big-holed beads to behave. Make an overhand knot between each group of crystals. The WireLace will fill the large bead holes and the knots keep the crystals tight to each other forcing them to the juxtaposed positions. Finish with a four-strand braid to the desired length, glue into a bell end cap and add a teardrop clasp set with a coordinating crystal.

1: Take two yards (1.8 m) of 2.5mm WireLace and two yards (1.8 m) of 6mm WireLace. Center a pearl needle on both strands.

2: String on all crystals as shown in the photo. Cut ends at pearl needle to remove.needle and create four 36 in.(.9 m) strands.

3: Center the large bead on the four WireLace strands.

4: Group the center cluster and make one overhand knot (Basics) next to cluster with all four strands of the WireLace. On opposite side tighten up all the crystals in that cluster and make another overhand knot. This knot must be very tight and snug next to the crystals to force them to keep their position.

5: Push the next cluster of crystals to the center and make another overhand knot with the WireLace - each time making sure the knots are tight to and snug to the crystals. Continue on each side until all the clusters are complete.

6: On each side, after the last overhand knot, separate out the four strands of WireLace to do a four-strand braid.

How to do a four-strand braid:
1) Divide into two sections with a 2.5 mm and 6 mm on each side.
2) Pick up a strand on the ‘outside’ and wrap it under two strands and over one strand. Repeat on the opposite side – always using the outside strand.

7: Continue braiding about 1 in. (2.5 cm) past the desire length on either side and clamp the ends to keep the braid from loosening or coming apart. Use whatever you have handy – tie a string around the end – or use a bead stopper or paper clip, etc.

8: Determine the final desired length and where the braid will end. To keep the braid from coming apart and to make it easier to glue into the end caps, mix 2-part epoxy and apply it directly onto the WireLace braid beginning about ¼ in. (.25 cm )from the desired end. When the epoxy dries, cut the WireLace braid on the glued area with a wirecutters so that you have a glued-end ‘nub’. Test to make sure the braid nub fits in the bell end cap. If not, gently roll end between finds to reshape the braid making it round to fit.

9: Mix 2-part epoxy and fill end caps half full and push over braid nub ends – you should see a small rim of glue seep out. If not quickly pull off the bell end cap and add more glue. Let dry.

10: Attach teardrop clasp by rotating split ring on the bell end caps with a chainnose pliers. Squeeze closed.

Supplies

necklace 19 in. (48 cm)
◆   36 mm aquiline crystal, top drilled, color A
◆    28 mm aquiline crystal, top drilled, color C,
◆    28 mm aquiline crystal, center drilled, color B
◆    6 18 mm aquiline crystals, top drilled, 2 color A, 1 color C, 3 color B
◆    8 18 mm aquiline crystals, center drilled, 4 color A,
4 color C
◆    6 18 mm polygon crystals, color B
◆    two yards (1.8 m) 2.5mm WireLace
◆    two yards (1.8 m) 6mm WireLace
◆   2 4 mm bell end-caps
◆   2 7 mm split rings
◆   box clasp
◆   chainnose pliers
◆   diagonal wire cutters
◆   two-part epoxy
◆     2 toothpicks (for mixing and applying glue), sticky note pads (for mixing glue on), isopropyl alcohol for cleaning up excess glue if needed.
◆    scissors (for cutting WireLace).
◆     fine/lightweight collapsible-type pearl needle

CRYSTALLIZED colors:
   Color A: crystal
   Color B: black diamond
   Color C: jet

Crying crystals

Stacy Hillmer — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 19:33:00 GMT

It’s hard to be sad around crystals, but according to Dutch designer Eric Klarenbeek, there’s nothing wrong with crystal tears. In fact, they may just be the next jewelry trend!

According to the Israeli Diamond Industry, Klarenbeek’s designs feature crystals and flower shapes that dangle by thin, nearly invisible wire from prescription or dummy contact lenses. As the crystals sway and catch the light, they look like tears gently clinging to your cheek.

Wondering how this can possibly be comfortable? Klarenbeek says, “People who have worn my eye jewelry are amazed at its comfort. You can’t feel the wire dangling, it doesn’t affect your sight, and the lens moves along gently with your eyeball, even while blinking.”

To see eye jewelry in action, visit www.ericklarenbeek.com and click on “Eye Jewelry Movie” on the left-hand side of the page. Also, check out some of Klarenbeek’s other eye jewelry. These pieces look less like tears, but are even more “eye-catching.”